Echoes of Time headline Rock 'n' Roll Revival Show

March 19, 2012
By Lori Szepelak
lorio@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD  Randy and the Rainbows, best known for their 1963 hit "Denise," will headline the New England Doo Wop Society's 25th Rock 'n' Roll Revival Show on March 31.
Gary Jones and Bob Belniak, founders of the society, are excited about the new venue for their show, the Cedars Banquet Hall, 375 Island Pond Road.
"People will love this new venue with its new decor and round tables seating 10," Belniak said.
He noted that "Western Mass. favorites," Joe Canata and the Memories, will kick off the evening at 7:30 p.m., followed by the all-women group, the Dream Tones, who will perform hits of the Shirelles, Angels, Supremes and more. The a cappella group, Echoes of Time, will then take the stage before the main event.
"Echoes of Time is a five-man quintet we spotted in New Jersey two years ago and finally found a slot to put them into one of our shows," Belniak said.
The evening culminates with headliners Randy and the Rainbows, still featuring two original members of the group. They are also known for their hit "Why Do Kids Grow Up."
To celebrate the 25th show, Belniak and Jones plan to have extra giveaways for the crowd, including lottery tickets, autographed hard cover books on the late Gene Pitney, and framed autographed pictures of oldie groups, along with T-shirts and "Doo Wop Bucks."
"We will also unveil the annual 'Ring Of Honor' where everyone can participate by voting for five of their favorite groups of all time from 1950 to 1963," Belniak said. "The voting ends May 30 and on June 9 at our next show with the Harptones, we will unveil the five top vote getters with a special plaque that will hold all of the group's names."
Area residents may also vote online at the society's website, www.newenglanddoowopsociety.org.
The event will be catered by First Choice Catering, beginning at 6:15 p.m., and the menu includes tossed salad, baked ziti with meatballs, chicken parmigiana, sausage, peppers and onions, rolls and butter, dessert and coffee.
Doors open at 6:15 p.m. for the buffet, which is $15 per person. Tickets for the show are $30.
For tickets or more information, contact Jones at 478-0901 or Belniak at 786-1929, or visit the society's website at www.newenglanddoowopsociety.org.